Thanks to one of our “email” readers, Dianne Morton who lives in Virginia. She tipped me off about this movie, as I had not heard about it. A little research suggested it might be worth our time, and as it turned out it most certainly was.
Only once every few years does a movie like this one come along. A film where every line of dialogue and every scene is vital to the story. No screen time wasted. The last two I can think of that met this test were Lincoln and The King’s Speech. While Bernadette is not on par with those two films, it has moments when it is on par with most anything I have seen. This is a sweeping saga, which takes us from the rainy climes of Seattle to Antarctica, providing us with some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen. How we get there is an intriguing story, as we follow the trials and tribulations of a fascinating family.
Cate Blanchett stars as Bernadette Fox, one of the more complex characters I can recall seeing in some time. She does a brilliant job portraying a woman whose life has undergone severe change over the years, and we watch as she struggles to survive in the environment she and her husband Elgie, played by Billy Crudup, have created. Bernadette was once a renowned architect, working in the Los Angeles area, her reputation spread far and wide. After marrying Elgie, they move to Seattle, where he is a major player at Microsoft. Removed from her work and surroundings, she begins to withdraw, and eventually her best and only friend becomes her fourteen-year-old daughter, Bee, played flawlessly by newcomer Emma Nelson. Bernadette literally becomes a recluse and one of the highlight scenes is when she runs into an old co-worker from her Los Angeles days, and over a cup of coffee unloads all her frustrations.
Where’d You Go Bernadette
Entertainment Rating: ★★★
Rating: PG-13; a couple of profanities, some stressful adult situations
Possible Oscar Nominations: Best Actress; Cate Blanchett, Best Supporting Actress; Emma Nelson, Cinematography
As the quality of life slowly diminishes at home, Bee learns of a “tour” to Antarctica and begs her parents to take this trip with her. They reluctantly agree to go and things are set in motion. A few days before the start, Bernadette disappears. While we know where she is, Elgie and Bee don’t. Thus the adventure of a lifetime confronts them as they try to find her. The trail leads to the bottom of the planet, where the Penguins frolic, but alas have no appreciation for the unbelievable splendor they are surrounded by. In the meantime who would think a highly talented and creative architect is needed down there? Guess who shows up?
This is a very good film. Unfortunately it has had no promotion, that I am aware of, and my wife and I were the only two people in the theater when we saw it. How sad.
